The mediation effects of psychological factors in the relationship between mouth dryness and oral health related quality of life

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of psychological factors as mediators in the casual relationship between mouth dryness and oral health-related quality of life of adults and to explore gender differences in what psychological factors play an important role in mediating the path of mouth dryness to quality of life. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 321 adults who are above 20 and under 65 years of age. Collected data were analyzed via statistical packages using a multi-group analysis through the SEM (Structural Equation Model). RESULTS: Based on the statistical analysis, stress was a major psychological factor in male subjects. While depression served as a main mediator in female subjects. We discovered that the path coefficients of the following paths showed significant gender differences: mouth dryness --> depression, depression --> quality of life, stress --> quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A gender-specific approach regarding effective prevention of stress and depression may be important for understanding the relationship between mouth dryness and quality of life.